Issue 155

Sailing secure victory

08th May 2007

Cardiff 1 - Swansea 2

On a beautiful day with crisp winds, Swansea University's sailing team raced to a impressive victory over local rivals Cardiff in their Varsity event, one of only 5 victories for Swansea University in the entirety of Varsity Despite beating Cardiff earlier in the year in a BUSA team event there were, nevertheless, some nerves from those in the Swansea camp.

However some of this anxiety may well have been due to poor quality equipment which saw Dave Evans foot strap snap and the boat subsequently capsize on top of him - and this was only in the warm up. In the first of the three races Swansea placed first, third and sixth to win the first event and to put pressure on the Cardiff crews.

It was Evans, AU sportsman of the year, who clinched the victory recovering well from his earlier mishap and redeeming himself well. His skill shone through and he sailed well, as was expected of him.

However Cardiff responded well and fought back to claim the second of the three races, pushing past Swansea to nip them and delay a potential early win in the sailing. A good result for Cardiff as they have always struggled in this event against what is almost always a strong Swansea side.

This team was no exception This shocked Swansea into action and subsequently Swansea proved their skills as they charged round the markers in the third and final race to claim first, second and sixth and storm to victory.

Captain Phillipa King said after the races "It was a good effort" and the team consensus was that they were all "Glad to nail Cardiff." This summmed up the determination to beat Cardiff and was a simple display of how much Swansea wanted to win and to beat Cardiff.

Club captain Mathew Shockes added "I am really proud that we won, the dedication of our team was paramount to our success today." Indeed it was, as it was a task in itself to get to the venue in Port Talbot without University transport to help them.

It was a victory devoted to dedication and commitment which is what had seen Swansea fare so well in this season and what should help them improve year on year.

They are already one of the better teams in the country and with this season under their belt it is certain that the only way they are going is up.

Stuart Phillips